Real Time mGT Performance Assessment Tool: Comprehensive Transient Behaviour Prediction With Computationally Effective Techniques

Gaitanis, Angelos;Contino, Francesco;De Paepe, Ward
(2022) ASME Turbo Expo 2022: Turbomachinery Technical Conference and Exposition — Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands (13.June.2022)

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  • Gaitanis, Angelosorcid-logoUCLouvain
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  • Contino, Francescoorcid-logoUCLouvain
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  • De Paepe, Wardorcid-logoUMONS
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Abstract
(en) Conventional centralized power generation is increasingly transforming into a more distributed structure due to the transition towards more renewable energy sources. The periodic power production that is created by the renewable production unit generate the need for small-scale heat and power units. One of the promising technologies which can assist a flexible and renewable power grid is micro Gas Turbines (mGTs). Such engines are generally considered to have an electrical power output less than 500kWe and are competent candidates for small-scale Combined Heat and Power (CHP). mGTs, as compensators for the demand fluctuations, are required to work on transient and part-load conditions. Therefore, the connection of such unit to a non-dispatchable energy system creates new research challenges. A complete characterization of their dynamic behaviour through a real-time simulation tool is necessary to establish effective and suitable control systems. This model should predict all the crucial parameters of the engine, such as the surge margin and combustion stability, which assist in the effective performance diagnosis. Moreover, the energy transition requires the conversion of conventional mGTs to more sophisticated high-efficient cycles with the addition of extra components (saturation unit, aftercooler, etc). Consequently, a modular and computationally fast real-time tool offers an asset in the development of future advanced cycles based on the mGT concept. This paper presents the complete development of a numerical in-house tool implemented in the Python open-source programming language for the behaviour prediction of the mGT. The fundamental target of our work is to achieve high fidelity of the simulated dynamic responses by adopting modern coding techniques that decrease the computational time. The model is validated with experimental results from the VUB Turbec T100 test rig and with additional data published in the literature. The component modeling methods are also compared to other techniques to confirm the practicality of the current code. Key benefits of this tool are the low complexity highly efficient component modules. This code reproduces the experimental results well during transient operation as the important cycle parameters present a deviation from the measurements within the range of 1.5%.
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Gaitanis, A., Contino, F., & De Paepe, W. (2022). Real Time mGT Performance Assessment Tool: Comprehensive Transient Behaviour Prediction With Computationally Effective Techniques. Cycle Innovations; Cycle Innovations: Energy Storage, Volume(4), 12. https://doi.org/10.1115/GT2022-81577 (Original work published 2022)